Catholic Picture of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Catholic Picture of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

• Catholic picture of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
• Made of polymer.
• Frame and inner panel decorated with gold leaf.
• Oval-shaped picture, resembling the shape of the Miraculous Medal.
• Width: 29 cm (11.42 in).
• Height: 36.5 cm (14.37 in).

Story and Apparitions

Devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal began with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré in Paris in 1830.

During the first apparition, which took place on July 18, 1830, several messages were revealed to Saint Catherine. They included instructions on how she should behave with her confessor, the need to establish the Association of the Daughters of Mary, and other spiritual guidance.

In the second apparition, on November 27, 1830, Saint Mary showed Saint Catherine an image of a woman standing on a globe, crushing a serpent under her feet, with rays of light emanating from her hands. The Virgin explained that the woman was Herself, and the globe represented the world. The serpent symbolized the sin of mankind, and the rays of light from her hands signified the graces she would bestow upon those who showed her their love.

Additionally, Saint Mary revealed an oval with the inscription: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. These words of the Virgin greatly influenced Pope Pius IX, leading him to proclaim the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 1854.

Finally, the Virgin presented a composition featuring a cross above the letter "M," the initial of Mary. Just below the cross, there were two hearts: one crowned with thorns and the other pierced by a sword.

The Virgin Mary entrusted Saint Catherine Labouré with a mission: she was to mint medals containing all the information she had received. These medals would bestow great graces upon all who wore them with faith.

The Miraculous Medal and Its Spread

Following the Virgin's instructions, Saint Catherine Labouré informed Catholic authorities of all the details she had received during the Marian apparitions.

After thoroughly reviewing the documentation, the Church validated the nun's testimony and granted permission for the minting of the medals according to the instructions provided by Saint Mary.

In 1832, the first medal was minted, receiving the name Miraculous Medal or the Medal of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The appearance of this sacramental marked the beginning of the Marian devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Since the 19th century, millions of devotees have worn the Miraculous Medal as a symbol of protection, faith, and hope.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Attributes Meaning in Pictures

Catholic pictures are classic devotional items that the faithful purchase to enjoy images of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in their homes. The pictures of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal reflect Saint Catherine Labouré’s vision and highlight various symbolic elements.

Among the main attributes of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal are:

• Central figure: The image of the Virgin appears standing, wearing a white dress and a blue mantle, symbolizing purity and heavenly royalty. The figure is often depicted wearing a blue fabric belt. The colors blue and white are traditionally associated with Marian devotions.
• Globe: Positioned beneath her feet, it symbolizes the world and the Virgin's universal intercession. All men and women who seek her protection can find refuge under Saint Mary's mantle.
• Rays of light: Emanating from her hands, these rays represent the divine graces she bestows upon those who invoke her.
• Serpent: Crushed beneath her feet, symbolizing victory over evil and the redemption of sin. The figure of the Virgin Mary triumphs over the sins of mankind.
• Inscription: The phrase "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee" reaffirms the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
• Crown of stars: In some representations, a crown of twelve stars symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.